Getting into your apartment is an exciting prospect. The new space feels full of promise and excitement, but don’t forget a few helpful tips to stay safe in your new place. Apartment safety can sometimes be overlooked in the moving rush and the excitement of a new place; make sure you don’t forget this important aspect of apartment living.

There are a lot of things that can be done to make apartment living safer. From changing the locks on the doors to not putting your full name on the mail box, but one of the most important things to remember about apartment safety is renter’s insurance.

The most important thing you’ll ever do to make yourself and your stuff safe is to get a renter’s insurance policy. Without renter’s insurance, who will replace your possessions if they’re lost, damaged or stolen?

Many renters assume that the rental property’s insurance will protect their things. Wrong. The apartment complex’s insurance covers the building and the interior parts like elevators and stairs; it doesn’t do a thing about your personal belongings. If there’s a fire, earthquake or other natural disaster and you don’t have a renter’s insurance policy, you’re on your own as far as replacing your items goes.

Another thing that renter’s insurance does for you is to protect your assets in case someone comes to harm in your apartment. If you have friends over and they’re hurt inside your apartment, their medical bills are legally your responsibility. If someone sues your over their injuries that happened in your apartment, that lawsuit is your responsibility. Renter’s insurance is designed to cover this possibility as well.